Nassau County Legislator | From Long Island

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
January 26, 2025 PHOTO ESSAY

Rep. Laura Gillen’s (NY-04) swearing-in celebration in Elmont

“Congresswoman Laura Gillen Swearing-in Celebration

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At left, Rep. STEVE ISRAEL administers oath to Rep. LAURA GILLEN as her husband CHRIS FINEGAN holds the Bible, during Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

While processing my news photos of Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration yesterday, I visited Facebook during a quick break.

I was struck by how powerfully the following Facebook post, and one of its replies in particular, conveyed how it felt being at the event. (I have permission to share them here):

from Lauren Corcoran-Doolin’s facebook post about Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration that afternoon:

Lauren Corcoran-Doolin
January 25 at 6:52pm
Today had some special vibes! Some people just remind you to keep going xo

Tammie Williams-Pittman
January 25 at 10:54pm
It was like a family reunion ❤️

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. L-R, Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s brother PETER GILLEN, mother ELAINE GILLEN, and brother JAMES GILLEN pose for photo before the representative’s swearing-in celebration begins at the Elmont Public Library. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

• Click on any photo to see it in a larger size •

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. At extreme right, NICOLE GRODNER, Local 290 business representative of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Carpenters (UBC), and other L.I. union members, are guests at Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Town of Hempstead Councilwoman DOROTHY GOOSBY and JONATHAN PREBOST are guests at Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow, emcee of celebration

NATIONAL ANTHEM – Kim Domage, Calvary Tabernacle

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At podium, KIM DOMAGE, from Calvary Tabernacle, sings the National Anthem during Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. From L-R are Reverend MICHAEL NGOKA of St. Agnes Cathedral and Reverend Dr. SEDGWICK EASLEY of Union Baptist Church. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

INVOCATION – Rev. Michael Ngoka, St. Agnes Cathedral

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. Standing at left, Reverend MICHAEL NGOKA of St. Agnes Cathedral, goes to Rep. LAURA GILLEN after he gives the Invocation during her swearing-in celebration.(© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

WELCOME REMARKS – Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. L-R, Rep. Laura Gillen’s brother PETER GILLEN, mother ELAINE GILLEN, and two youngest children are listening to NYS Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages’ remarks during the representative’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Rep. Laura Gillen’s two youngest children are listening to NYS Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages’ remarks during the representative’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

REMARKS – Congressman Gregory Meeks

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. L-R, Congresswoman LAURA GILLEN and her husband CHRIS FINEGAN listen to Congressman Meeks’ remarks during Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH – Congressman Steve Israel

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At podium, Rep. STEVE ISRAEL gives remarks during Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. Seated, L-R, are Reverend MICHAEL NGOKA of St. Agnes Cathedral, Reverend Dr. SEDGWICK EASLEY of Union Baptist Church, Congresswoman LAURA GILLEN, her husband CHRIS FINEGAN, Congressman GREGORY MEEKS, and KIM DOMAGE. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

SPECIAL REMARKS & INTRODUCTION – Chris Finegan

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. CHRIS FINEGAN gives special remarks before introducing his wife, Congresswoman Laura Gillen, during her swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. CHRIS FINEGAN gives a compliment in a humorous, off-hand way before introducing his wife, Rep. Laura Gillen ,during her swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

REMARKS – Congresswoman Laura Gillen

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Rep. LAURA A. GILLEN ( NY, 4th District) makes remarks during the celebration of her swearing-in as a freshman member of Congress. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Rep. LAURA GILLEN puts her hands to her heart as she gives remarks during her swearing-in celebration. At right are NYS Assemblywoman MICHAELLE SOLAGES and Nassau County Legislator SETH KOSLOW. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

CLOSING PRAYER – Rev. Dr. Sedgwick Easley, Union Baptist Church

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. At podium, Reverend Dr. SEDGWICK EASLEY, of Union Baptist Church, gives the Closing Prayer at Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. At podium, Reverend Dr. SEDGWICK EASLEY, of Union Baptist Church, gives the Closing Prayer, and, from L-R, are Rep. LAURA GILLEN, her husband CHRIS FINEGAN, and Congressman GREGORY MEEKS, at Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

COMMUNITY

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At lower left, NAGINDER SINGH gives Rep. LAURA GILLEN news articles Singh collected about Gillen’s campaign, at the end of the representative’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. L-R, NAGINDER SINGH and Rep. LAURA GILLEN, wearing a fuchsia Indian garment, pose for photo at the end of the representative’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. L-R, ELLEN LEDERER DeFRANCESCO and New York State Senator SIELA BYNOE pose for photo during Rep. Laura Gillen’s swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Elmont, N.Y., U.S., January 25, 2025. At center, Rep. LAURA GILLEN poses with union members, including from Local 290 of United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, during her swearing-in celebration. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post): Elmont, New York, U.S. January 25, 2025. Congresswoman LAURA A. GILLEN (NY-04) gives remarks during her swearing-in celebration at Elmont Public Library.

Congresswoman Laura Gillen event: my PHOTO GALLERY

Two of my earlier posts featuring Laura Gillen:
• Jan. 2018: Inaugurating a new era for Long Island
• April 2018: Steve Israel brings out his big guns on Long Island

CONTACT ME

Elmont, N.Y., U.S. January 25, 2025. Congresswoman LAURA GILLEN (Dem. NY-04) speaks during her swearing-in celebration at the Elmont Public Library. At right are Nassau County Legislator SETH KOSLOW and N.Y.S. Assembly Deputy Majority Leader MICHAELLE SOLAGES. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
January 3, 2018

Sunday, New Year’s Eve, I turned off the TV and headed to bed soon after watching the ball drop in Times Square. But this unusually low-key start to 2018 was necessary, for by lunchtime the next day, I’d covered the Inaugurations of three Democrats – LAURA CURRAN, LAURA GILLEN, and SYLVIA CABANA – replacing three GOP office holders here in Nassau County.

• SLIDESHOW (with music) 1/1/2018 Town of Hempstead Inaugurations:

Though it was New Year’s Day morning, close to a packed house at Hofstra University’s Adams Playhouse watched New York Lt. Governor KATHY HOCHUL and Congresswoman KATHLEEN RICE swear-in Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen and Hon. MICHAELLE SOLAGES swear-in Hempstead Town Clerk Sylvia Cabana.

Hempstead, New York, USA. January 1, 2018. Center L-R, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor JUDI BOSWORTH and BRIAN MUELLERS, member of Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen’s Transition Team and a former Nassau County legislator, discuss program before the Swearing-In ceremony of Gillen and Hempstead Town Clerk Sylvia Cabana, at Hofstra University. (© 2018 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Hempstead, NY, USA. Jan. 1, 2018. Center L-R, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor JUDI BOSWORTH and BRIAN MUELLERS, member of Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen’s Transition Team and a former Nassau County legislator, talk before Swearing-In ceremony of Gillen and Hempstead Town Clerk Sylvia Cabana, at Hofstra University. (© 2018 Ann Parry/Ann-arry.com)

Hempstead, NY, USA. Jan. 1, 2018. L-R, Lt. Gov. KATHY HOCHUL congratulates LAURA GILLEN after Hochul and Congresswoman Rice swear her in as Hempstead Town Supervisor, at Hofstra University. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

U.S. Senator CHUCK SCHUMER was a speaker at both the Town of Hempstead and County County Inaugural ceremonies.

Hempstead, NY, USA. Jan. 1, 2018. L-R, U.S. Senator CHUCK SCHUMER and Hempstead Town Democratic Leader LAUREN CORCORAN-DOOLIN pose for photo after Schumer spoke at Swearing-In ceremony of Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen & Hempstead Town Clerk Sylvia Cabana at Hofstra University. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, New York, USA. January 1, 2018. L-R, KEITH CORBETT and LAURA CURRAN are on-stage before start of swearing-In of Laura Gillen and Sylvia Cabana, at Hofstra University. (© 2018 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Hempstead, NY, USA. Jan. 1, 2018. L-R, KEITH CORBETT and Nassau County Executive LAURA CURRAN are among dignitaries on-stage before swearing-In ceremony of Laura Gillen and Sylvia Cabana at Hofstra University. © 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Hempstead, New York, USA. Jan. 1, 2018. R-L, NYS Senator JOHN E. BROOKS, Nassau County Comptroller JACK SCHNIRMAN, N.C. District Attorney MADELINE SINGAS, and Hempstead Town Councilman BRUCE BLAKEMAN are among dignitaries on stage at Swearing-In of Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen and Hempstead Town Clerk Sylvia Cabana at Hofstra University. (© 2018 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)

Hempstead, New York, USA. Jan. 1, 2018. R-L, NYS Senator JOHN E. BROOKS, Nassau County Comptroller JACK SCHNIRMAN, N.C. District Attorney b, and Hempstead Town Councilman BRUCE BLAKEMAN are among dignitaries on stage at Swearing-In of Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen and Hempstead Town Clerk Sylvia Cabana at Hofstra Univ. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

About an hour after that, and even though it was a bone-chilling 14 ℉ / -10 ℃, a thick arc of bundled-up onlookers stood thisclose together in front of the Theodore Roosevelt Legislative & Executive Building to witness Gov. ANDREW CUOMO administer the Oath of Office to Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.

Mineola, NY, USA. January 1, 2018. Speaking at podium is U.S. Sen. CHUCK SCHUMER, and left of him is Nassau County Executive LAURA CURRAN, as she's sworn-in as County Executive, in front of Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building. (© 2018 Ann Parry, Ann-Parry.com)

Mineola, NY, USA. January 1, 2018. Speaking at podium is U.S. Sen. CHUCK SCHUMER, and left of him is Nassau County Executive LAURA CURRAN, as she’s sworn-in, in front of Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building,. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Mineola, NY, USA. January 1, 2018. L-R, LIUBA GRECHEN SHIRLEY, Congressional candidate for District 2 on Long Island, and SUE MOLLER, 2017 candidate for Hempstead Town Council District 6, pose for photo outside Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building, after swearing-in of Laura Curran as Nassau County Executive. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Mineola, NY, USA. Jan. 1, 2018. L-R, Nassau County Legislators DEBRA MULE, 55, (Freeport – 5th Dist. – Democrat) and JOSHUA LAFAZAN, 23, (Syosset – 18th Dist. – Ind.) are in Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building after attending the outdoor swearing-In of Laura Curran as Nassau County Executive. Lafazan is the county’s youngest ever legislator. Mule has Curran’s former Legislative seat. (© 2018 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

It was a doubly historic day for Long Island. Before Laura Gillen took office, Town of Hempstead hadn’t had a Democratic Supervisor in over a century; plus, Laura Curran is the very first female Nassau County Executive.

Feature Photo (at top): Hempstead, New York, USA. January 1, 2018. L-R, Hempstead Town Supervisor-Elect LAURA GILLEN, New York State Lt. Governor KATHY HOCHUL, and Hempstead Town Clerk-Elect SYLVIA CABANA pose for photo shortly before Lt. Gov. and Rep. Kathleen Rice swear-in Gillen, at Hofstra University.

Town of Hempstead Inaugurations: PHOTO GALLERY

Nassau County Executive Inauguration: PHOTO GALLERY

CONTACT ME

I am a born and raised son of Nassau County. I could not be more outraged that the citizens of…

Thanks, Lou, that means a lot - so happy you saw this post!

Magnificent presentation!!!

Thank you, Ann, for this beautiful post about NCMA and Our Gilded Age! Very happy you enjoyed the experience. Our…

Wow! Incredible pictures and coverage! Bravo, Ann!!!

From Long Island

ann parry photography blog

Tag Archives: Nassau County Legislator

Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s Swearing-in Celebration

Inaugurating a New Era for Long Island